The Linguist

At the Paris Olympics, the use of AI was extensive, not only in assisting sporting decisions but also in helping visitors to navigate the city. More than 3,000 metro staff were given devices offering automated interpretation in 16 languages. A poor translation there might, at worst, send sports fans off in the wrong direction, but in other contexts, the use of AI may be more risky. In medicine, reports of doctors routinely using Google Translate are concerning, and leave room for confusion over accountability for potentially fatal miscommunications (p.33). Issues such as this have led some to call for a temporary halt to AI development while regulations for their safe use can be established. We asked four stakeholders to give their views on the situation (p.8). Also in this issue we look at the difficulties of interpreting in factory settings (p.22), the workplace challenges faced by neurodivergent language professionals (p.24) and ways of dealing with vicarious trauma (p.18). When I spoke to project manager Ayah Najadat for an article about the work of Gazan translators (p.11), we discussed vicarious trauma extensively. Her team works with people who have experienced horrendous events, including survivors of the Turkey-Syria earthquake and those fleeing war in Sudan, Gaza and Ukraine. So she considers trauma- informed sessions to be essential. We also shine a light on Urdu with a fascinating piece about its history (p.20), and an insightful conversation between Editorial Board member Anam Zafar and first-time novelist Ayesha Manazir Siddiqi (p.14). Miranda Moore 4 The Linguist Vol/63 No/3 thelinguist.uberflip.com NEWS & EDITORIAL CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S NOTES Having navigated some difficult times since 2020, I am glad to say that the Chartered Institute of Linguists is in good shape as we enter the new membership year. First and foremost, it is worth celebrating that CIOL has been fortunate to maintain a strong and active membership community across more than 50 countries and speaking over 50 languages. The diversity of our membership underscores our international reach, and the breadth and depth of the linguistic expertise we represent. We have also expanded our portfolio of highly respected qualifications, introducing the degree-level Certificate in Translation (CertTrans) to complement our established Master's-level Diploma in Translation (DipTrans). We continue to support the Diploma in Public Service Interpreting (DPSI) in the UK and have added Language Level Assessments and Certified English to our international assessments. These qualifications enable language professionals to validate their skills across a wide range of languages and contexts. In the past year, hundreds of candidates took CIOL professional qualifications in more than 30 countries and languages. In many ways we have re-invented ourselves – not least in offering our qualifications wholly online – but we have also hosted large in-person and international online conferences annually since the pandemic lifted. Our events in London in 2022, 2023 and 2024, each culminating in the CIOL Awards, have brought linguists together to network, share knowledge and celebrate outstanding achievements in the field of languages. We have also significantly increased our stakeholder engagement, research initiatives and policy impact. By working closely with ITI, ATC, NRPSI, language stakeholders, universities and our governance community of expert linguists, we have expanded the range of knowledge resources and good practice guidance available on our website. Online engagement has been a key focus and we have increased our social media output, put on regular webinars and virtual events, and invested in our mentoring platform and online training. I am also very proud that The Linguist, our flagship publication, continues to provide engaging writing on a wide range of topics, bringing valuable insights and endlessly enjoyable reading to our many readers – including those who increasingly read it online. And this would not be possible without Miranda's editorial flair and the ongoing support of our excellent Editorial Board. But, for me personally, perhaps the most encouraging thing which has developed in the last year or so is the positive, active and mutually supportive relationship we have with ITI. It's a real pleasure to work with their Chief Executive Sara Robertson; and also with Raisa McNab at the Association of Translation Companies. We've also re-connected with Alison Rodriguez, President at the International Federation of Translators (FIT). Things get better when we work together. So it's great to have such good colleagues and friends in the world of languages and linguists, both in the UK and around the world. John Worne EDITOR'S LETTER Share your views: linguist.editor@ciol.org.uk

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